THE WHANGAREI DISTRICT

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIV, Issue 255, 27 April 1912, Page 5

THE WHANGAREI DISTRICT

IMPRESSIONS OF A TARANAKI SETTLER. Mr. Jesse Phillips, a well-known reaident, who removed to the Whangafei - district twelve months ago, the induce--, j ment to change being the climatic con- ; ditions, gave a News representative some impressions of the northern district. ] Mr. Phillips stated that it was over eighteen years since he had paid a visit -'j to Whangarei, and he was greatly sur- '\l prised at the great strides and marvel- | ious improvements in the formation of streets, water supply, etc., of the town. 4 ' An up-to-date hospital had also been egtablished, which was surrounded by beautiful grounds. The whole town wears an air of prosperity, all business ■■ appearing to be in a healthy, flourishing 3 condition, whilst the numerous substail- { tial and handsome homes that meet the $ eye in the suburbs, is evidence of the J confidence that residents have in the ,J town's future. It is expected that the 'J harnessing of the Wairoa Falls will, «re'il ldng, become an accomplished fact, and ."j when the electrical supply is available, j trams will, in all probability, be estab-vj lished. Our informant saw land that if had recently been sold at Maungatapere, 1 seven miles out, for £22 10s per acre, ,1 and is to be used for dairying purposes. \ This is about top price. No doubt iti'j value is enhanced by its close proximity to a factory, which is approximately J manufacturing the same quantity of but- t ter as the Okato Dairy Company. Messrs. J A. E. Phillips and J. Lind, both old .1 coastal residents, and other Taranaki settlers, hold land in the neighborhood.' 'A From' some of the land the cows aver- 3 aged Hfls per month for the season, and H this, Mr. Phillips thinks, would compare i favorably with the best of Taranaki-*1 land, when the extra cost of the latter is considered. Like Taranaki, the land I varies considerably/ • Whilst one block/ % may be of high quality, the next may | be somewhat indifferent, and it was not J advisable for anyone ti> purchase with-sj out first visiting the locality or making n enquiries from some one familiar with, 'the district. The climate was,very dif-V ferent to Taranaki", being much anil drier. Figs, grapes, oranges, etc., grow to perfection in the open. Fruit ; was so plentiful that farmers were feeding pigs on apples, pears and plums. The > country is very suitable for Maize, mangolds and carrots do well, ! whilst pumpkins are also grown for winter and spring feeding. Mr. Phfl-ti lips saw some maize ovewten feet highland' mangolds 341b in weighth. Potatoes J do well, and it is possible to get twtf l crops per year. It has also been a fairjf season for hay. The farmers are great attention to the quality of their jg herds, and Jerseys seem the favorite ! strain, one man having over 120, a great.', many of the shew cattle. ' < Mr. Phillips, who has been in Taranald 5 on a visit during the last six weeke, re- , r! turned to Maungatapere last night. Ac-1' companying him Ts a party from the ■ Coast, who intend to spend the fortnight of the shooting season in the* s district, pheasants and other birds beiwff plentiful. ' ' 1